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Shifting weather patterns saw KwaZulu-Natal experience a second tornado in just two years. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported there was a short-lived twister that touched down in the Bishopstowe area near Pietermaritzburg on Sunday afternoon.
Reports indicate this twisting weather system lasted around 20 minutes before dissipating. It formed from a weak storm that intensified quickly in a valley area, with the region’s curved landscape and escarpment playing a key role in creating the rotation needed for a tornado.
Forecaster Nhlanhla Sithole said the storm evolved too quickly for warnings to be issued, with the time between formation and peak intensity estimated at less than 25 minutes.
The same weather system brought heavy rain, strong winds, and localised flooding to parts of eThekwini and Pietermaritzburg. Trees were uprooted, roads flooded, and some power infrastructure was affected, but thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Rare for KZN?
While tornadoes are uncommon in South Africa, they’re not entirely unheard of. This latest tornado comes less than two years after the devastating Tongaat tornado in June 2024, which made international headlines.
That storm caused widespread destruction, tearing through homes and schools in Tongaat, leaving thousands displaced and resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In contrast, the Bishopstowe tornado was brief and far less destructive, with impacts largely limited to storm-related damage rather than the extreme devastation seen in 2024.
Sunny skies ahead
Despite the dramatic weather moment, it’s largely clear skies ahead for Durban… which is great news for holidaymakers! All beaches are open, and the city is still very much in holiday mode.
Visit www.weathersa.co.za to keep updated on weather forecasts.
Visit www.durban.gov.za to check the Beach Water Status.
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